By Lice Movono, ABC
The alleged attack happened outside the Bar One nightclub in Nadi. Photo: ABC News / Lice Movono
A man has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Airlines flight crew member during New Year's Eve celebrations in Fiji.
Fijian Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong confirmed to the ABC that a local suspect was in custody over the alleged attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The alleged victim, a 21-year-old Melbourne woman, was separated from the rest of her crew during a night out in Martintar, a popular entertainment district in Nadi.
According to police records obtained by the ABC, she was allegedly assaulted on her way to her hotel.
A second crew member was robbed and sustained facial injuries.
Police investigations into that separate incident continue.
The man is due to appear in court in Fiji's Western Division on Monday.
Previously a Virgin spokesperson said the airline was aware of the incident and "our focus is on the wellbeing of our team members affected".
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said they were aware of the incident but due to privacy obligations they could not comment further.
Fiji boosting security: minister
Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka told the ABC that Fiji's cabinet was committed to "strengthen security" in Nadi.
"We have the tourism police, what we discover now is that we need to revamp that unit," he said.
"Having a heightened level of police presence can really help in this area.
"I've seen tourism grow from what it was back then to now, to almost a million visitors for a small country like Fiji … the challenge is there."
Gavoka said Fiji was overall a "safe country", but one needed to exercise care in certain areas.
"Last year, we reduced nightclub [opening] hours," he said.
"But when you're on holidays, you don't want to make too many rules, people are here to relax."
He said the majority of the crew members headed home on Thursday and the remaining ones should have departed Fiji by Friday evening.
- ABC
